16 U.S.C. § 410eeee: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation

This section may be cited as the “New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act”. the New River Gorge National Park; and the New River Gorge National Preserve. The boundaries of the New River Gorge National Park referred to in paragraph (1)(A) shall be the boundaries depicted as “Proposed National Park Area” on the map entitled “New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundary”, numbered 637/163,199A, and dated September 2020. The boundaries of the New River Gorge National Preserve referred to in paragraph (1)(B) shall be the boundaries depicted as “Proposed National Preserve Area” on the map entitled “New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundary”, numbered 637/163,199A, and dated September 2020. this section; section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of title 54; and chapter 3201 of title 54; and title XI of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 460m–15 et seq.), 1 except that the provisions of section 1106 1 of that Act ( 16 U.S.C. 460m–20 ) relating to hunting shall not apply to the New River Gorge National Park. in the same manner as hunting was administered on the day before December 27, 2020 , in those portions of the New River Gorge National River designated as the New River Gorge National Preserve by subsection (b)(3); and section 1106 1 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 460m–20 ); and other applicable laws. in the same manner as fishing was administered within the New River Gorge National River on the day before December 27, 2020 ; and section 1106 1 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 460m–20 ); and other applicable laws. Nothing in this section prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping on private land in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws. The Secretary may acquire land or any interest in land identified as “Proposed Additional Lands” on the map entitled “New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundary”, numbered 637/163,199A, and dated September 2020, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange. modify the boundary of the New River Gorge National Preserve to reflect the acquisition; and administer the land or interest in land in accordance with the laws applicable to the New River Gorge National Preserve. visitor parking; and improved public access to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. On acquisition of the land under clause (i), the acquired land shall be administered as part of the New River Gorge National Park or the New River Gorge National Preserve, as appropriate. Commercial recreational watercraft services within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with section 402 of the West Virginia National Interest River Conservation Act of 1987 ( 16 U.S.C. 460m–15 1 note; Public Law 100–534 ). Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the New River Gorge National River shall be considered to be a reference to the “New River Gorge National Park” or the “New River Gorge National Preserve”, as appropriate. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. The Secretary of the Interior shall complete a fee simple land exchange in the vicinity of Beauty Mountain, Fayette County, West Virginia, to acquire a tract of land identified as NERI Tract Number 150–07 that lies adjacent to the boundary of the New River Gorge National River [now New River Gorge National Park and Preserve] in exchange for a tract of land identified as NERI Tract Number 150–08 located within such boundary. the land acquired by the United States in the exchange shall be included in the boundaries, and administered as part, of the New River Gorge National River; and the land conveyed by the United States in the exchange shall be excluded from the boundaries, and shall not be administered as part, of the New River Gorge National River.” The outstanding natural, scenic, cultural and recreational values of the segment of the New River in West Virginia within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River [now New River Gorge National Park and Preserve] have been preserved and enhanced by its inclusion in the National Park System. The establishment of the New River Gorge National River has provided the basis for increased recreation and tourism activities in southern West Virginia due to its nationally recognized status and has greatly contributed to the regional economy. Certain boundary modifications to the New River Gorge National River are necessary to further protect the scenic resources within the river’s visual corridor and to provide for better management of the national park unit. Several tributaries of the New River in West Virginia also possess remarkable and outstanding features of national significance. The segment of the Gauley River below Summersville Dam has gained national recognition as a premier whitewater recreation resource. The lower section of the Bluestone River and the lower section of the Meadow River possess remarkable and outstanding natural, scenic, and recreational values due to their predominantly undeveloped condition. Portions of several of the New River tributaries, including segments of the Gauley River, the Meadow River, and the Bluestone River are suitable for inclusion in the National Park System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is in the national interest to preserve the natural condition of certain segments of the New, Gauley, Meadow, and Bluestone Rivers in West Virginia and to enhance recreational opportunities available on the free-flowing segments. The purpose of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] is to provide for the protection and enhancement of the natural, scenic, cultural, and recreational values on certain free-flowing segments of the New, Gauley, Meadow, and Bluestone Rivers in the State of West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”